BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP)— Leandro Trossard scored with his first touch after coming off the bench as the Arsenal substitute inspired a 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were struggling to make the breakthrough until Belgium forward Trossard arrived with an instant impact at Villa Park.

Trossard’s cool finish came midway through the second half, with Thomas Partey’s late strike — aided by a howler from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez — sealing Arsenal’s second successive victory.

Arsenal are off to a fine start to their latest bid to win the Premier League title thanks to this cathartic moment for the north Londoners.

Villa’s 2-0 win at Arsenal in the closing weeks of last season was a huge blow to the Gunners’ title challenge.

Arsenal also lost at Villa Park last term, another costly result as they eventually finished just two points behind champions Manchester City.

Runners-up to City for the last two years, Arsenal are desperate to finally win their first title since 2004.

Following a comfortable 2-0 win against Wolves in their opener, Arteta will have been encouraged to see his players’ steely side in a hard-fought victory against Villa.

“We had to change momentum. We had a 10-minute gap when we didn’t get the rhythm and they were on top. They had the big chance and David Raya made an unbelievable save. It was the magic moment of the game,” Arteta said.

“Villa had a more defensive approach than we expected, but we adapted and the team played with a lot of courage.

“When you need individuals they stood up and they made themselves count. That’s why we won the game.”

Villa’s 2-1 win at West Ham last weekend was the perfect start to a season featuring their first Champions League campaign since 1982-83.

But this was a reality check for Unai Emery’s men as they try to emulate last season’s top four finish.

“We had our chance to score and had even better chances than them. If we score one goal then maybe we win the match,” Emery said.

“There’s still work to do. I accept the result because we are doing our way and trying to improve. The players will stay calm.”